Beverly Hills Hotel
May 3. Hit Bar Nineteen 12 inside the iconic Beverly Hills hotel for an afternoon of pageantry and race watching. Sip on Giant Juleps (double serving of Evan Williams bourbon, mint, crushed ice and sugar and served in the traditional steel julep cup), and other classic whiskey cocktails while watching the game inside the bar or on the terrace. Also find whiskey tastings and a menu of eats like fried green tomatoes and fried oysters served with French fries and remoulade, buttermilk fried chicken wings served with homemade “red hot” ranch, bourbon pecan pie with maple chantilly cream and more, including live music and a hat contest where the winner can pick up brunch for four in the Polo Lounge. 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, 310.273.1912. beverlyhillshotel.com
“Hold Your Horses” Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
May 3. Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark of “Tripping Out With Alie and Georgia” host this year’s Kentucky Derby party at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Find derby-esq boutiques hawking apparel from Goorin Brothers hats, Shareen Vintage and Pocket Squares; cocktails like rhubarb bourbon lemonade from Art in the Age’s Leisure Expert Rachel Mae; and a live a performance from World Champion Looper, Super Tall Paul, a truly eclectic bluegrass aficionado. Also find TVG “Jockey Girls” onsite to hand out betting guides, $10 betting credits and more. $45. Noon-4 p.m. 431 W. 7th St., downtown. eventbrite.com
Santa Anita Park
May 3. At what could be the biggest Derby party west of Kentucky you can watch the live simulcast while hometown hopeful, Cal-bred Santa Anita Derby winner and possible favorite, California Chrome, runs for the roses. Hit the infield for live music, craft beer, live racing, BBQ and more, including a VIP area for a premium bar and drink specials. Sport your best hat to win cash and prizes. 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia, 626.574.7223. sap.ticketmob.com
Franklin & Company
May 3. Ladies in Derby bonnets get their first drink on the house when they stop by Franklin & Company for the races. Revelers can also enjoy Southern fare like smoked bbq beef ribs, bbq pulled pork sliders, grilled corn sweet potato fries and more, including $5 mint juleps. 11 a.m. 5923 Franklin Ave., L.A., 323.463.1552. franklinandcotavern.com
The Churchill
May 3. At the Churchill’s second annual Kentucky Derby Party, you can dine on Kentucky-inspired food and drinks like glazed beef short ribs, smoked ham biscuits, and mint and cucumber juleps. A live band plays hits from 70s and 80s rock and Derby attire is encouraged. 8384 W 3rd St, West Hollywood, 323.655.8384. the-churchill.com
Willie Jane
May 3. Willie Jane’s Kentucky Derby party also serves as the perfect introduction to their new Lemonade Stand concept. Stop by for a special screening of the Derby over specialty mint juleps and taste a menu of lighter fare (think short rib grilled cheese, cold fried chicken, and Banh Mis) that the restaurant will start serving every Weds.-Fri., 11:30-2:30 p.m. starting May 7. 1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 310.392.2425. williejane.com